Inxeba (The Wound) has been dealt a massive blow after being reclassified as X18.
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The Film and Publications Board Appeal Tribunal has confirmed that it has overturned the 16 LS rating given to Inxeba (The Wound), replacing it with an X18 rating - the same as hardcore porn.

The new rating means that the film can only be distributed from an adult premises, which would require a special licence to broadcast the film

"A rating of X18 means that the material can only be distributed from designated adult premises. This means the film cannot be screened in cinemas or any other platform that is not a designated adult premise as defined by the Film and Publications Act No 96 of 1996 as amended."

The ruling came as a result of complaints by the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (Contralesa).

Contralesa has called for the banning of the film and as a secondary complaint asked that it be given a higher age restriction.

The film has received public backlash for its depiction of the traditional ritual of ukwaluka – a Xhosa tradition into manhood – as well as sexual identity in the form of a gay love story.

The complaints were largely based on the perceived cultural insensitivity and distortion of the Xhosa Circumcision tradition (Ulwaluko), strong language in the film.